Erbil restaurant shut down over $87,000 dish named 'Kurdistan'

Restaurant owner defends $87,000 meal as an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most expensive dish

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Aland Steakhouse, a prominent restaurant in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan region (Bashur), was closed on Tuesday by local authorities after igniting public outrage with its $87,000 dish named “Kurdistan.”

The closure, announced by local officials, followed a viral social media video showcasing the extravagant meal, which drew widespread criticism for its opulence and cost.

Authorities cited regulatory violations as the primary reason for shutting down the establishment.

The restaurant owner, Hamid Ahmad, defended the dish on Wednesday, claiming that it was created as an attempt to secure a place in the Guinness World Records and bring international recognition to the Kurdish region.

“They focused solely on the price and overlooked the positive aspects,” Ahmad said. He explained that the dish was intended as a one-time event and dedicated to the son of a Kurdish martyr.

Aland Steakhouse Restaurant in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, 2024. Photo: Aland Steakhous’s FB/via iKurd.net

The elaborate meal required three months to prepare and featured a blend of luxury and exclusivity. It was presented in gold-encrusted containers studded with diamonds and included rare ingredients like gold-infused caviar, whale liver oil, and premium chicken.

The experience extended beyond the meal itself, with diners served coffee in diamond-studded cups and offered custom jewel-adorned hookahs. Patrons received a personalized certificate and were allowed to keep the gold and diamond components of the meal.

While some praised the authorities’ decision to intervene, others questioned whether the controversy justified such a high-profile shutdown.

Erbil governor Omed Khoshnaw emphasized that using the name “Kurdistan” for a commercial product, especially one so extravagant, was inappropriate and provoked strong public reactions. He noted that the closure is not permanent and could be reversed if the restaurant removes the dish from its menu and issues a public apology.

Ahmad has agreed to discontinue the dish but remains firm in his stance, refusing to apologize. “I did this for the Kurdish people, not for my personal fame,” he said, underscoring his intention to highlight the region’s name on a global stage.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the balance between innovation, cultural representation, and public perception, leaving the restaurant’s future uncertain as it works to address the authorities’ concerns.

(With files from Rudaw)